Didi Aaftink – KLM Bloghttps://blog.klm.com
Royal Dutch AirlinesSat, 25 May 2019 14:00:35 +0200en-UShourly1https://blog.klm.com/assets/uploads/2018/03/cropped-favicon-120x120.pngDidi Aaftink – KLM Bloghttps://blog.klm.com
3232What Happens to Your Body When You Drink Alcohol on a Plane?https://blog.klm.com/what-happens-to-your-body-when-you-drink-alcohol-on-a-plane/
https://blog.klm.com/what-happens-to-your-body-when-you-drink-alcohol-on-a-plane/#commentsFri, 10 May 2019 14:00:20 +0000https://blog.klm.com/?p=33047Soon the holiday season will again be upon us and the numbers of leisure travellers descending on our airports will peak. You know the feeling all too well: excitement; finally having the time to make a journey you’ve looked forward to; visiting relatives in far-off countries; a long-awaited hiking break; or even just some quality […]

]]>Soon the holiday season will again be upon us and the numbers of leisure travellers descending on our airports will peak. You know the feeling all too well: excitement; finally having the time to make a journey you’ve looked forward to; visiting relatives in far-off countries; a long-awaited hiking break; or even just some quality time to read a good book…. Whatever, it’s a well-earned opportunity to cross off something nice from your ‘to do’ list!

On arriving at the airport, before boarding your plane, you have time to drop by one of the tax-free shops, after which you allow yourself the luxury of an alcoholic beverage. It’s finally time to relax. Then, on board your flight, shortly after take-off the stewardess offers you a welcome drink. Wow, now your journey is really underway! And I can totally relate to the mood.

But… what exactly happens to your body when you drink alcohol on a plane?

What happens when you drink alcohol?

After drinking an alcoholic beverage what’s known as blood alcohol content (BAC) takes between 30 to 60 minutes to peak and reach its maximum effect. Needless to say, consuming several alcoholic beverages during a short period of time can easily mean you are expecting your body to cope with more alcohol than your liver can process. In such a case the excess alcohol will travel through your bloodstream un-metabolised and unchanged. The concentration of alcohol in the blood, or BAC, will then increase.

As it travels through your bloodstream, the alcohol eventually reaches your brain, where it acts as a sedative and slows down transmissions and impulses between the nerve cells that control your ability to think and move. Although alcohol is a depressant, it also removes inhibitions, which explains the sometimes happy and other times aggressive behaviour associated with drinking alcohol. It also increases the flow of fluid through your kidneys, increasing the likelihood of becoming dehydrated.

What happens when you drink alcohol on board a plane?

During a flight, the barometric pressure in the cabin of a plane is lower than it is in most places on earth. You can compare it with an altitude in the mountains of between 1,800 and 2,200 metres. This decreased pressure environment diminishes the body’s ability to absorb oxygen and it can produce light-headedness. We call this hypoxia. Generally speaking, this is not an issue but the feeling could be similar to the experience you have after drinking alcohol.

Therefore, if you drink alcoholic beverages during a flight you may notice it sooner, and so might the crew and other passengers if you drink too much. In other words, because of the lower level of oxygen in your blood, you may seem more drunk in the air than you would on the ground after consuming the same amount of alcohol. But, in fact, your BAC will show the same percentage as would be the case if you drank the same amount of alcohol on the ground under similar circumstances. A complicating factor is that the air in an aircraft is very dry and, coupled with the diuretic effect of drinking alcohol; you may become dehydrated much faster than you would on the ground.

So, to combat dehydration make sure you drink water with every alcoholic beverage. And minimise your intake of salty food, as this may have an adverse effect by making you more thirsty and encouraging you to drink at a faster rate.

What is KLM’s policy on serving alcohol on board?

Policies on serving alcohol on board differ per airline and destination. At KLM you can prepare for your trip and can even check out the menu (including beverages) of your specific flight beforehand.

The safety, security and comfort of passengers and crew are of the highest priority to airlines. Unruly behaviour or acts by passengers, due to alcohol abuse/intoxication or otherwise, is an infringement of international law. The pilot in command of a flight is authorised to disembark or deliver an unruly passenger to a law-enforcement agency.

So, it’s better to be safe than sorry…and drink wisely on an aircraft.

]]>https://blog.klm.com/what-happens-to-your-body-when-you-drink-alcohol-on-a-plane/feed/44Can you catch the flu on a plane?https://blog.klm.com/can-you-catch-the-flu-on-a-plane/
https://blog.klm.com/can-you-catch-the-flu-on-a-plane/#commentsThu, 08 Nov 2018 15:32:14 +0000https://blog.klm.com/?p=81284Winter is fast approaching; the days are becoming shorter and the nights longer. And with it, the flu season is making its comeback. It is often thought that an aircraft’s ventilation system makes you more prone to picking up the flu. However, this is not quite the case. On launching the flu jab this year, […]

]]>Winter is fast approaching; the days are becoming shorter and the nights longer. And with it, the flu season is making its comeback. It is often thought that an aircraft’s ventilation system makes you more prone to picking up the flu. However, this is not quite the case. On launching the flu jab this year, several questions regarding the flu reached me, as a doctor, at KLM Health Services:

1. What causes the flu?

Influenza (commonly known as the flu) is a viral infection of the respiratory system caused by influenza viruses. In the northern hemisphere, the peak period for the flu is from November to March. In the southern hemisphere, the peak period is from May to September.
The most common symptoms are:
– Acute onset of symptoms
– Fever
– Upper respiratory infection (a cold, muscle ache, headache, fatigue and general illness).
Infection is usually through the respiratory system (droplets containing the virus carried by air or aerogenic transmission). Very few droplets containing the virus are needed for someone to become ill. Infection through direct contact (kissing and shaking hands) is also possible, but then more viruses are needed to actually become ill, aside from survival of the virus outside the body. It takes one to five days to actually becoming ill after being infected with the virus.

The survival of the virus also depends on humidity, temperature and UV radiation (sunlight). The virus survives its best under cold and dry conditions, such as in winter. Sunlight makes the virus become inactive. This explains why you are more susceptible to the flu during the winter season, when it is colder and less sunny. And besides that you tend to spend time indoor and closer to one another. You can read more about the flu here.

2. Do you catch flu quicker because of an aircraft’s ventilation system?

Air circulation in an aircraft takes place vertically, from top (the passengers’ heads) to bottom (leaving through openings at floor level) and not from front to back as often thought.

Source: IATA Medical Manual 2018

The air is refreshed every two to three minutes. Half of the air in an aircraft comes from the outside. This air is specially filtered. The other half of the air in the cabin is reused after being thoroughly filtered. Carbon dioxide (CO2) and microorganisms such as bacteria are then removed via this filter system. The air on board an aircraft is generally much cleaner than the air in buildings or in public transport on the ground.

However, the air in an aircraft is very dry. When humidity is low, the mucus of your nose and throat may become dry, and your immune system can be less effective at those points. We then become more prone to bacteria and viruses. Make sure you stay hydrated!

Catching the flu on board is therefore not directly related to the air circulation. Sitting close to one another can contribute towards catching the flu. The risk is not higher than in other forms of public transport and other public areas on the ground.

3. The flu jab

In each hemisphere, each year the influenza vaccine is composed based on the most recent epidemiological data from the WHO. Shortly before the flu season starts, the vaccine becomes available. Both the northern and southern hemisphere differ in the composition of the vaccine.

In the Netherlands, certain medical risk groups (including the over-65s and anyone with a serious long-term health condition) are advised to take the vaccination.

If you are a frequent (business) traveller, you may consider taking the flu jab. Again not because of the air quality on the plane. It is true that as a frequent traveller, you may be exposed more frequently to a broader range of viruses, including influenza viruses. Sleep deprivation caused by jetlag, environmental temperature changes, different climates, other kinds of food and possibly stress, asks a lot of your own immune system. For this reason, I would advise you to take the vaccination to prevent complications of the flu. The flu jab is also available at our Travel Clinics.

]]>https://blog.klm.com/can-you-catch-the-flu-on-a-plane/feed/25 Medical Tips When Travelling With Childrenhttps://blog.klm.com/5-medical-tips-when-travelling-with-children/
https://blog.klm.com/5-medical-tips-when-travelling-with-children/#respondFri, 20 Apr 2018 08:23:40 +0000https://blog.klm.com/?p=70514Hooray! Families will be heading off on holiday in the nearby future. Everyone prepares in their own way. I’m seeing more and more families with (young) children heading off to exotic destinations in Africa, South America and Asia. Places like Zanzibar, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Bali or one of the islands off the coast of Thailand. […]

]]>Hooray! Families will be heading off on holiday in the nearby future. Everyone prepares in their own way. I’m seeing more and more families with (young) children heading off to exotic destinations in Africa, South America and Asia. Places like Zanzibar, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Bali or one of the islands off the coast of Thailand. Magnificent beaches, cultural highlights, good food and plenty of sporting activities. These destinations are now tried and tested, and generally safely accessible with children.

There are, however, several things that families with children need to take into special account. Kids are among the more vulnerable travellers when it comes to contracting infectious diseases. The same goes for pregnant women, people on medication and elderly travellers.

Diarrhoea

This is the most common form of illness among travellers. This is usually caused by the change in surroundings and climate. The local food and water often differs from what we are used to. Mostly it’s just a harmless viral infection that will be over within 48 hours. If diarrhoea persists, especially in children, it’s important you start using ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution), which is a solution of salts and sugars that prevents serious dehydration and helps restore proper bowel function. Nowadays, you can find ORS everywhere especially for children, as well as for adults. If you develop a fever or if there is blood in your faeces, you should seek medical help.

Check for medical care

Before heading off to your destination, make sure you know where you can get adequate medical treatment. You can acquire this information from your travel or health insurance company, or by subscribing to Doctor Connect. Make sure you have the necessary medical insurance for your trip. Check the terms and conditions of your insurance policy to avoid incurring high costs unexpectedly.

Water and ice

Local water may also be an irritant for your bowels. Children are especially vulnerable, because their bowels are not yet as accustomed to strange germs as adults are.
Eating ice cream or drinking water with ice cubes can also give kids a headache in warmer climates. This headache arises when the cold drink or ice cream comes into contact with the back of the nasal passage and palate. The nerve endings can send signals to the brain, which cause specific blood vessels to contract. Most people are familiar with this phenomenon, but it may be interesting to know why this happens.

Mosquitos

Mosquitos are very annoying on holiday, but they can also carry diseases! These days you can protect babies and children well with the mosquito repellent DEET. In some countries you need to protect yourself and the children during the day, because certain mosquito’s are active during the day. And remember when applying sunscreen: put sunscreen on first, allow a period of half an hour to dry, prior to applying DEET insect repellent. DEET is not waterproof. Other kinds of mosquito, especially those that carry malaria, are active from the start of sundown. Be aware of this and take sufficient precautions and, if you have been prescribed malaria profylaxis (tablets to prevent malaria) by your doctor, take them. Children are especially vulnerable to malaria, which is still one of the most common causes of death among children in Africa. You can read more about how to protect yourself from mosquitos here and your Travel Clinic will be able to answer any questions you might have.

Travel vaccinations

Last but not least: Vaccinations! There are still children being taken travelling without having first been vaccinated. Vaccinations against diseases like hepatitis A and rabies are not covered by the government vaccination programme in the Netherlands. Rabies is a deadly disease that can be transmitted through a bite, scratch or lick from an infected animal, usually a cat or dog, but bats are also carriers. In fact, any mammal can carry and transmit this disease. Once this virus has entered your nervous system the disease begins to develop and treatment is no longer possible. This process and the non-specific symptoms that go with it, can sometimes last weeks. Children are more likely to pet “cute animals” and are often nearly the same size as the animal they are stroking, which makes them even more vulnerable. Stories about this happening are being reported ever more often in the news.

Rabies is easily prevented if you have been vaccinated, and I personally think this is an essential vaccination for children in particular. I cannot emphasize enough that this disease is fatal. If you plan to travel a lot to distant destinations with your children, my advice would be to vaccinate yourself and your children against rabies. A series of three vaccinations will protect you for years. The disease is extremely rare in the Netherlands, but it does occur in countries around the Mediterranean, as well as more distant destinations. If you are not vaccinated, you need to get treatment within 24 hours, otherwise rabies is fatal. The medicine you need, human rabies immunoglobulin (HRIG), is very hard to come by and if you can’t reach an adequate medical facility or return to your home country within 24 hours, you have a serious problem.

So, prepare your journey thoroughly, check the advice I have given you here with a Travel Clinic before you leave, and then enjoy a carefree holiday with your children!

]]>https://blog.klm.com/5-medical-tips-when-travelling-with-children/feed/0Why Do We Cry More Easily On Board?https://blog.klm.com/why-do-we-cry-more-easily-on-board/
https://blog.klm.com/why-do-we-cry-more-easily-on-board/#commentsWed, 20 Dec 2017 08:48:57 +0000https://blog.klm.com/?p=59784/As a doctor working for KLM Health Services, I get asked all sorts of questions at work and in my private life. Most of these questions relate to aero-medical issues or to travelling in general. Some of these questions are more surprising than other. Someone recently asked: “Why do I always cry more easily when […]

]]>As a doctor working for KLM Health Services, I get asked all sorts of questions at work and in my private life. Most of these questions relate to aero-medical issues or to travelling in general. Some of these questions are more surprising than other. Someone recently asked: “Why do I always cry more easily when watching inflight movies?” Swiftly adding: “Movies usually don’t make me cry.”

There are three reasons why we cry more often or easily when watching movies aboard a plane

With the festive season approaching, this seemed like an interesting question to investigate. December can be a rather emotional period for some people. We don’t only look back on the past year, but also forward to what the future might bring? We also spend more time travelling to visit friends and relatives, celebrating Christmas, New Year and other holidays together.

That said, is it really true that people cry more easily when watching movies on a plane? And if so, why is that the case?

Crying is usually a response to emotions and/or behaviour. It is often prompted by grief or helplessness. Scientifically, there is currently little proof that people cry more easily on board. Nevertheless, it seems to be a familiar experience for many travellers. Most of us can remember someone crying during a flight…

So what might the underlying reasons be?

1) Departure to the unknown

Travel is a stressful experience for many people. But stress may also be positive, because you’re off to explore the unknown or because you’re going to be reunited with people and places you know and love. In all instances, you will have spent time making all sorts of arrangements in advance. After checking in, dropping off your baggage and passing through security, you can finally step on board. This is a moment of relief and relaxation, which may contribute to people crying more easily for whatever reason. Many studies confirm that crying is actually a form of stress relief.

It’s also interesting to note, in this regard, that humans are the only creatures that actually cry. Other animals may experience emotions, but they don’t cry in response. They do cry to keep their tear ducts clean.

2) The effects of the cabin environment

You’re stuck in a metal tube full of strangers, flying at an altitude of 10 kilometres. You’re gazing at a low-resolution TV screen relatively close up, and you’re using earphones. You’re also flying long distance and there are few other distractions. This helps to put you in a state where films are likely to have a bigger impact. The earphones also ensure that you are more committed to the film.

You could say that your focus is turned inwards, allowing you to access your emotions more easily. There is also a sense of intimacy in being alone in an unfamiliar place, where you have plenty of time to think, especially on longer flights. Sources suggest that crying at movies aboard a plane may have more to do with relief than with grief.

On top of that, you are more likely to watch movies you might not ordinarily choose, offering all sorts of unfamiliar food for thought.

3) The effects of flying itself

The air pressure in an aircraft cabin is equal to that at 2,000 metres on the ground. Moreover, the air is relatively dry. Healthy people will hardly notice this, but the humidity levels can contribute to noticeable changes in mood and behaviour, especially on longer flights. Psychologically, you are likely to be more sensitive, which means you may be more likely to cry. When watching films, for instance.

Returning to the question as to why people feel they cry more quickly when watching movies on board: I was unable to find any hard scientific evidence, but there seem to be plenty of potential factors that may contribute to this perceived phenomenon.

You could say there’s always something in the air – literally and figuratively.

]]>https://blog.klm.com/why-do-we-cry-more-easily-on-board/feed/10What happens to your ears during a flight?https://blog.klm.com/what-happens-to-your-ears-during-a-flight/
https://blog.klm.com/what-happens-to-your-ears-during-a-flight/#commentsWed, 03 May 2017 07:48:08 +0000https://blog.klm.com/?p=27058Pressure and ear pain during a flight can be extremely annoying, even painful. And almost as unpleasant is having to wait another 12 hours, or longer, before being able to hear normally again. I’d like to give you some background information on the phenomenon as ear pain during a flight, as well as some tips […]

]]>Pressure and ear pain during a flight can be extremely annoying, even painful. And almost as unpleasant is having to wait another 12 hours, or longer, before being able to hear normally again. I’d like to give you some background information on the phenomenon as ear pain during a flight, as well as some tips and tricks on how to prevent it, or minimise its effects.

How do our ears work?

Our ears enable us to hear sounds, which are actually vibrations in the air. These vibrations travel through the ear canal to a thin membrane called the eardrum, which also hermetically seals the ear canal from within. On the other side of the eardrum is a tube called the Eustachian tube, which runs from the inner ear to the back of our nose/throat, where it can vent to the air outside. This tube allows air to flow to or from the inner ear, depending on whether the pressure in the inner ear is higher or lower than ambient air pressure. An obvious precondition is that the Eustachian tube cannot be blocked! This can happen, for example, if it is obstructed by mucus or inflammation due to a cold, hay fever or perhaps a respiratory infection.

What happens in our ears when an airplane climbs?

As the aircraft climbs the air pressure inside the cabin gradually decreases until it reaches the level at which it will remain for the rest of the flight (at cruising altitude). Because this air pressure is lower than it was at ground level it means that some of the trapped air must be allowed to escape from the inner ear. If it doesn’t, the slightly higher pressure will cause the eardrum to bulge outwards. If all goes well, the overpressure air in the inner ears simply escape via the Eustachian tube. It’s easier for this tube to exhaust air than to suck it in, which is why hardly anyone has problems with their ears when an aircraft is climbing.

What happens in our ears when an aircraft descends?

As the aircraft descends the air pressure inside the cabin will gradually increase, so the rising air pressure will push the eardrums inwards. To counter this, the air pressure on the other side of the eardrums, in the inner ear, must also increase. To enable this to happen air must be sucked in through the Eustachian tube.

What is happening when you have ear pain during a flight?

If you are suffering from a cold or hay fever, the mucous membrane in the Eustachian tube can become swollen and impede the flow of air through it. Consequently, when the aircraft is descending the air pressure behind the eardrum, in the inner ear, will remain too low and will not be able to counteract the increasing cabin air pressure that is pushing the eardrums inwards. Initially you will feel this as pressure and later as pain in your ears. Furthermore, because the eardrum will be under constant pressure, it will no longer be able to vibrate freely. So you won’t be able to hear properly either.

Tips and tricks to avoid ear pain during a flight

Swallowing and yawning opens the Eustachian tube so that air will be able to reach the inner ear during descent.

Even if you keep having problems long after the landing, it will still help when you keep swallowing.

There are a few other methods, such as blowing your nose, chewing gum, or drinking while pinching your nose closed. Whichever of these methods works best for you should be repeated a few times during the complete descent. We refer to all these methods as “coping”. Air is more likely to flow up the Eustachian tube if you swallow, yawn or chew.

Try this: breathe in, then gently breathe out with your mouth closed while pinching your nose (it’s known as the Valsalva manoeuvre). In this way, no air is exhaled but you gently push air into the Eustachian tube. While doing this you may feel your ears go “pop” as air is pushed into the inner ear. This often solves the problem. Repeat the procedure every few minutes while landing – or whenever you feel any discomfort in your ears.

Do not sleep during descent (ask the steward or stewardess to wake you when the aircraft starts to descend). After all, you can only try these tips to equalise the pressure either side of your eardrums as long as you are you are awake!

If you have a cold and you still want to fly you could try a decongestant nasal spray. One such spray, containing Xylomethalozine for example, is readily available at pharmacies. This can temporarily dry up mucus in the nose, thereby helping to open the Eustachian tube if it’s blocked by mucus.

To encourage them to swallow, give babies or small children a drink or pacifier during descent.

What doesn’t necessary work for ear pain

Sometimes you might hear other “never fail” remedies. Well, at the risk of disappointing anyone, the truth is that there is no medical evidence to support putting wet cloths over your ears, for example, or covering them with cups. It may comfort you, so it won’t do any harm. But at the end of the day it will not solve the problem either. The same can be said for using eardrops or cleaning your ears. They may have a soothing effect, but they will do nothing for th pain.

At some airports you can buy earplugs that regulate changes in air pressure. These earplugs only slow the rate of air pressure change on the eardrum. And although not evidence based, from a medical point of view, if you find that they help, use them.

Scuba diving and flying and ear pain

After scuba diving you should wait for about 12-24 hours before flying. This time frame depends on the depth to which you dived and the number of dives you made. In this case it has to do with having to clear the nitrogen from your body after diving, to avoid decompression sickness or Caisson disease. This is not directly related to the pressure issues of the ear. Although flying after diving can also make your ears malfunction (not work properly) due to the same mechanism. In a short period of time you extensively pressurize the eardrum.

Are you able to fly with ear pain?

If you have a severe cold, ear pain, a high temperature or a combination of these, you might wonder whether it’s indeed wise to fly. The Eustachian tube could be blocked (due to mucus). It could cause you more serious ear problems during the flight. If you really want to make your journey: my advice would be to have your ears checked by a medical doctor before departure. You may risk a barotrauma, which is damage to the eardrum due to pressure changes. Or maybe even a rupture of the eardrum (although rare).

You might experience ear pain, hearing loss, dizziness or tinnitus (buzzing in the ears). Airport Medical Services at Schiphol has equipment that can measure the pressure-movements of the eardrum. They can also advise you on whether or not to fly. Barotrauma will heal quicker than a ruptured eardrum, which can take between a couple of weeks to several months.

Still having ear pain after your flight?

If the measures above fail to prevent ear pain, don’t despair. The pain may be quite acute, but it usually subsides fairly quickly. Take painkillers such as paracetamol until it goes. Fluid or mucus can sometimes accumulate in the inner ear for a few days after a flight. This may dull or dampen your hearing. This happens if the Eustachian tube is still blocked. It’s more likely to occur if you had a cold before flying. To clear it, try one of the measures outlined above.

If your complaints persist, seek medical advice: If you are at home contact your family doctor. At Schiphol we are available 24/7 at Airport Medical Services, where you can obtain advice at our first aid post. Extensive medical care at Schiphol Airport is available at the KLM Health Services Travel Clinic, which is located next to the first aid post.

]]>https://blog.klm.com/what-happens-to-your-ears-during-a-flight/feed/115What does flying do to our taste buds?https://blog.klm.com/what-does-flying-do-to-our-taste-buds/
https://blog.klm.com/what-does-flying-do-to-our-taste-buds/#commentsTue, 04 Apr 2017 08:06:07 +0000https://blog.klm.com/?p=47316/Have you ever wondered why airline food sometimes tastes so salty? Why it is that you can’t really taste much of what you eat during a flight? And why are herbal or pasta dishes with tomato sauce so often on the menu? Whenever I fly I always notice that I have cravings for tomato juice […]

]]>Have you ever wondered why airline food sometimes tastes so salty? Why it is that you can’t really taste much of what you eat during a flight? And why are herbal or pasta dishes with tomato sauce so often on the menu? Whenever I fly I always notice that I have cravings for tomato juice and ginger ale, none of which you usually find in my fridge at home. I thought I’d delve a little deeper and find the answers to questions like these.

The theory

Your taste buds are to be found on your tongue, your palate at the back of your mouth and your pharynx. Basically, you can taste six different primary flavours: sweet, sour, bitter, umami (savoury) and fatty (astringent). The taste of a foodstuff is defined by the combination and concentration of substances that elicit a specific taste. However, in addition to their basic tastes, temperature, aroma, appearance and consistency also help define the taste of foods.

How something tastes is a combination of what you see, smell and feel. Our sense of smell plays an important role in all this, as does the effect of saliva. Solid foods are broken down by saliva and chewing. This, in turn, facilitates the transfer of flavour to our taste buds.

You can taste different flavours across your whole tongue. Contrary to what we used to believe, specific areas of the tongue are not devoted to discerning specific tastes. And the older you get the more taste buds you lose, which explains why your taste (experience) changes over the years.

The way we experience sweetness is derived from the various sugars in food and drink, while saltiness is determined by a food’s salt content. Sourness is the degree of acidity, as in citrus fruits, and bitterness is a taste we usually have to learn to appreciate. Bitterness can be tasted in artichokes, fennel and basil, for example. Umami is associated with savouriness or with a substance called glutamate, which is also present in flavour enhancers (MSG – monosodium glutamate) used in, for example, stock cubes, TV dinners and salty snacks. Some foods, such as tomatoes, mature cheese, seaweed and meat, naturally contain glutamate. The sixth taste, which is entirely new but certainly not unimportant, is based on how we experience fattiness. The structure of a food is a very important parameter, and one of these is the absorption behaviour of fat, which accounts for the popularity of foods such as whipped cream and chocolate. Incidentally, not everyone has the specific taste receptors that allow him or her to taste fat.

So what happens to our senses of taste and smell in an aircraft?

Flying at altitude reduces your sense of smell and your ability to taste also changes. On top of this you’re in an environment with relatively low humidity, low air pressure, and the constant noise of the aircraft’s engines in the background. Your taste buds will, in effect, be numbed, just as they are when you have a cold. It’s easier to taste food when it’s broken down by saliva than when it’s not, which is why you can barely taste food if you just put it on your tongue. Chewing food releases the flavours as the saliva breaks it down and these flavours then come into contact with your taste buds. However, the drier the air, the less moisture there is for you to produce the saliva you need to break down the food, and the faster your saliva evaporates. The dry, rarefied air in an aircraft also cools food quicker, which can also alter and reduce the perception of taste.

The distractive influence of the engine noise also reduces our sensation of taste. Subconsciously, the sound distracts you and means you pay less attention to enjoying your food. It’s as if some of your sensory capacity is “otherwise engaged” and this can result in a different or reduced taste sensation.

Does all this mean that airline food contains more flavour enhancers (MSG, E621)?

When flying at altitude, salty and sweet flavours are reduced by between 20 and 30 per cent, while sour and bitter flavours remain the same. Airline food contains more herbs to compensate for this perceived loss of taste. However, rather than adding synthetic flavour enhancers, KLM opts for the use of more natural herbs and acids. KLM has a food policy for the meals it provides its passengers and crew. For example, extra glutamate (E621) and other chemical flavour enhancers may not be added. We also adhere to a CSR policy on biodiversity. If palm oil is used in food, for example, we try to use sustainably produced palm oil. Food served on board should also be presented as if it were in a “trendy” restaurant.

So yes! You really do taste less, or differently, during a flight. Herbal beverages and savoury, bitter snacks and foods apparently have a more pronounced effect on your perception of taste while flying than do some sweet and salty foods, the flavours of which don’t linger as long. I appear to have a distinct need for herbal drinks, for example, which explains my craving for tomato juice. The tomatoes in tomato juice have an umami content, making it salty. Ginger ale, meanwhile, is a herbal and slightly bitter-sweet drink, which is also why I find it tastes so good during a flight. By the way, because it’s an established fact that many people like drinking tomato juice on board, more of it is stocked.

If you have special medical dietary needs, with KLM you can request special meals on intercontinental flights. And if you would like to make sure you’re well prepared for your journey, drop in to one of KLM Health Services’s Travel Clinics for advice before you leave.

]]>https://blog.klm.com/what-does-flying-do-to-our-taste-buds/feed/5These are the 5 main health risks while travellinghttps://blog.klm.com/these-are-the-5-main-health-risks-while-travelling/
https://blog.klm.com/these-are-the-5-main-health-risks-while-travelling/#respondWed, 28 Dec 2016 08:20:12 +0000https://blog.klm.com/?p=42682Most people love travelling. Buzzing with excitement and enthusiasm, you set off to explore and enjoy the world near and far. New surroundings offer new insight and inspiration, ensuring that you return home with your batteries fully recharged. But travel can be less than romantic. Sometimes you don’t only return home inspired, but also infected […]

]]>Most people love travelling. Buzzing with excitement and enthusiasm, you set off to explore and enjoy the world near and far. New surroundings offer new insight and inspiration, ensuring that you return home with your batteries fully recharged. But travel can be less than romantic.

Sometimes you don’t only return home inspired, but also infected or injured. With old adage “better safe than sorry” in mind, I’ve compiled an overview of the five main health risks while travelling.

1. Road accidents

Traffic regulations, bylaws, infrastructure and driving habits differ widely from country to country. It is therefore essential that you pay extra attention when negotiating traffic while on holiday. Read up on the regulations in advance, see how public transport works and check whether the roads are paved. If you know the local traffic bylaws, you automatically become more cautious and reduce your risk of being involved in an accident. Should you decide to rent a car, make sure you have an international driver’s license and that you’re properly insured.

2. Infections

Around 40% of travellers contract some form of respiratory or bowel infection during their trip. The main causes are the change in surroundings, local hygiene, water, insects and other animals, but also people. You can avoid a lot of these problems by eating and drinking with caution. And of course you should get the required vaccinations against serious diseases such as yellow fever and hepatitis. For malaria you can get a prescription. Make sure you are well informed about the risks before you set off.

Travellers who use medication should check what requirements their destination has for bringing medication into the country. (Dutch travellers are referred to www.hetcak.nl for information.) Also check which pharmacies and hospitals are connected with your health insurance provider. This will ensure that you have reliable addresses should you require medication while travelling.

3. Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD)

STD? Are you serious? Yes, I am. It’s a well-known fact that common sense often takes a hike when lust comes calling. Which is why it’s not really surprising that sexually transmitted diseases rank among the top five health risks. The best way to avoid problems is to use your common sense and a condom.

4. Jetlag and other local conditions

The effects of jetlag can vary greatly from person to person. It is particularly annoying for business travellers who have appointments and deadlines. Try to ensure that you get into the local rhythm as quickly as possible and try to avoid sleeping pills if you can. Why? I answered this question in a previous blog: Why do we get jetlag?

Other local conditions such as climate, UV radiation, exposure to bright sunlight, extreme cold, high altitude or low air pressure can all have a negative impact on babies, children, elderly people, pregnant women and people whose resistance is low. They are more susceptible to diseases, dehydration and food infections, and it is important to keep this in mind. The KLM Travel Clinic will gladly inform you on the do’s and don’ts. For instance, if you’re going climbing or diving.

5. Mental resilience

As I mentioned above: people love travelling. However, we often experience stress before and during our travels. A change of time zone can lead to sleep deprivation, which may cause you be knocked off balance more easily, especially if you suffer from depression or if you are otherwise mentally vulnerable. The keywords here are self-knowledge and flexibility. Pay close attention to yourself and your body, and act accordingly. If you look after yourself properly, it will be easier to cope with challenges, making your trip more enjoyable.

Which is a great place to end this blog: enjoyment. Bear the above risks in mind and prepare wherever you can. The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs has a handy app with travel tips for every country (24/7 BZ reis in Dutch). But you can also find this information elsewhere online. Good preparation ensures peace of mind, which ensures maximum enjoyment.

]]>https://blog.klm.com/these-are-the-5-main-health-risks-while-travelling/feed/0Things You Always Wanted to Know About Pregnancy and Travellinghttps://blog.klm.com/things-you-always-wanted-to-know-about-pregnancy-and-travelling/
https://blog.klm.com/things-you-always-wanted-to-know-about-pregnancy-and-travelling/#commentsWed, 12 Oct 2016 07:30:05 +0000https://blog.klm.com/?p=39338Our reasons for travelling are diverse – business, visiting friends and relatives, attending a wedding, or maybe just a holiday you’ve been looking forward to for so long. Everything is arranged for your upcoming trip and flight. Then, just a few days before departure you discover you’re pregnant! Will flying be dangerous, whether for yourself or […]

]]>Our reasons for travelling are diverse – business, visiting friends and relatives, attending a wedding, or maybe just a holiday you’ve been looking forward to for so long. Everything is arranged for your upcoming trip and flight. Then, just a few days before departure you discover you’re pregnant! Will flying be dangerous, whether for yourself or the unborn child? Are there health risks associated?

To come straight to the point, flying when you are pregnant will not harm the foetus and there is no scientific evidence of an increased risk of miscarriage, birth defects, or premature birth. The foetus is well protected from changes outside the mother’s body, such as variations in air pressure and humidity in the aircraft cabin

Pre-travel advice and immunisation

Depending on your destination, advice about vaccination and malaria prevention may be different if you are pregnant. That’s why it is extremely important to be properly informed, especially when visiting countries where infectious diseases such as malaria are prevalent. In some cases, travel to a country could even be discouraged because of the risks. Pregnant women or women who want to get pregnant should also avoid travelling to countries with outbreaks of Zika. You can find more advice about this on our website.

How far into your pregnancy can you fly?

KLM recommends that women who are more than 36 weeks pregnant should not fly. We also discourage flying – for you and your child – during the first week after birth. If you are expecting a multiple birth, we recommend that you consult your doctor before any flight. If you have had complications in the past, you will always need your doctor’s permission to fly. We also recommend that you carry a recent pregnancy statement with information about the due date and other relevant information. In many countries airline staff may want to see that. Regulations differ from one airline to the next, so always check before you travel.

Cosmic radiation

In a normal situation, the cosmic radiation exposure of a return trans-Atlantic flight can be compared to the same amount of exposure as when you have a chest X-ray. As with X-rays, any radiation can cause damage to genetic material inside a cell. However, there is no evidence that a trans-Atlantic flight increases the risk of abnormalities. To be on the safe side it is recommended to avoid frequent air travel when pregnant. For KLM flight crew there are special regulations regarding exposure to cosmic radiation.

Increased risk of thrombosis

If you are pregnant, you already run a greater risk of developing thrombosis. Flying will increase this risk. Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potentially life-threatening disorder in which blood clots can form in the deep veins of the body, particularly the legs. In an aircraft, the dehydration caused by the dry air may thicken your blood. In addition, the relative immobility of sitting in a confined space for a long period can cause blood to collect in your legs.

There are a few things you can do to prevent or reduce the risk of thrombosis:

During long flights, walk around the cabin every 15 to 30 minutes, if possible

Do some simple stretching exercises while you are seated

Only sleep for short periods – up to 30 minutes at a time

Move around after every nap

Drink plenty of water

Avoid alcohol and caffeine

Wearing compression stockings can also help.
If you are worried about DVT during the flight, consult your doctor beforehand to discuss how to best reduce the risk.

All in all, with a little extra preparation, the same thing applies as always: Sit back, relax and enjoy your flight!

]]>https://blog.klm.com/things-you-always-wanted-to-know-about-pregnancy-and-travelling/feed/4How to Avoid Food Poisoninghttps://blog.klm.com/how-to-avoid-food-poisoning/
https://blog.klm.com/how-to-avoid-food-poisoning/#commentsFri, 29 May 2015 07:30:27 +0000https://blog.klm.com/?p=15829The holiday season is almost upon us and families, many with children, will be looking forward to their annual summer holiday. One of the most annoying things you can encounter when travelling is vomiting or diarrhea that’s either due to travelling itself, or even worse, possible food poisoning. Some 40 per cent of all travellers […]

]]>The holiday season is almost upon us and families, many with children, will be looking forward to their annual summer holiday. One of the most annoying things you can encounter when travelling is vomiting or diarrhea that’s either due to travelling itself, or even worse, possible food poisoning.

Some 40 per cent of all travellers that venture outside western countries will experience an episode of diarroea, which we call “travellers’ diarrhea”. In most cases it’s a self-limiting disease that will run its course and you’ll feel better again after one to five days. A visit to the doctor will not always be necessary, but if complaints persist and you cannot drink enough fluids such a visit will indeed be necessary.

The most common causes of travellers’ diarrhea are listed below.

Water

Drinking water contaminated with faeces, or eating something that might have been contaminated by such water will make you ill. In many less-developed countries in the Far East, Africa and South-America, water systems are not up to western standards of hygiene, despite local government requirements. Furthermore, sewage systems there can be old fashioned, inefficient and in some places even non-existent. This can result in residues of human excrement mixing with irrigation water, meaning that all crops, such as vegetables and fruits grown on land irrigated by this water, can be contaminated. Tap water could also be contaminated.

Therefore, it’s always better to be safe rather than sorry and drink from sealed, bottled drinking water in these countries. You should also wash your hands frequently and use disinfectant. Items of food, like fruits and vegetables, that have not been properly washed with water treated by filtration and/or chlorination, might be contaminated with human faeces. If you eat them you’ll get sick.

Fresh fruit, vegetables and street food

Indian street markets and many small roadside food stalls can be tempting because what they serve looks and smells really appetising. You may wonder why the locals won’t get sick after eating this food, but you will. The answer has everything to do with the difference between the immune systems of locals and travellers. The locals’ frequent exposure to different kinds of bacteria, mainly when they are young, builds up their immunity and this gives them more protection against the kinds of infections these local foods can cause. However, even the locals can get sick from the so-called pathogenic strains of bacteria.

Other factors are that the people who cook at these roadside stalls may not work according to western standards of hygiene, and, very importantly, the quality of the food they serve and the way they cook it could also make you ill. Bacteria grows quicker in a hot and humid climate and that goes hand-in-hand with a greater risk of food poisoning.

Ice cream and buffets

Ice cream and buffet food are the most common items of food that are contaminated by the kind of bacteria that will make you ill, particularly in a hot and humid climate. The two main reasons for this are that ice cream and buffets are either not kept cool enough or turnover of food in buffets (in terms of both amount and time) could be insufficient. Both reasons cause bacteria growth, or even worse, bacteria can produce toxin. This can make the elderly, pregnant women and young children, in particular, very ill. Bacteria growth can make you ill within one to three days and bacteriological toxin can do the same between 4 and 24 hours after eating it. The latter is what can really be seen as food poisoning.

Fish and meat

Only eat well-prepared and well-cooked fish or meat. In a reliable environment, such as western-standard kitchens and high-end international hotels, you can usually trust the food in their buffets and on their menus. Most of these establishments work according to western hygiene standards and it should be safe to eat shellfish and fresh fish in them. However, bear in mind that fish is more sensitive to the growth of bacteria than meat is, which makes it more susceptible to contamination. The reason for this is that fish contains more nutrients than meat and nutrients are an excellent growth medium for bacteria.

Preparing for your trip

In the knowledge that there is a 40 per cent likelihood of getting travellers’ diarrhea, make sure you take sufficient medication, like loperamide, with you. This medication can help if you contract diarrhoea and it gets worse. And don’t forget, you can always visit our Travel Clinic for more information and advice, also for the vaccinations that might be necessary for your travel destination.

Finally, there’s a good catchphrase you should bear in mind when eating in less-developed countries:

“Boil it, cook it, peel it… or forget it!”

What you should know about what you eat and drink while travelling abroad

Avoid tap water, buy sealed, bottled water.

Avoid fruits and vegetables. Crops grown on land irrigated by water, can be contaminated.

Wash your hands frequently and use disinfectant.

The immune systems of locals are more resistant for infections than those of travellers.

Bacteria grow quicker in a hot and humid climate and that goes hand-in-hand with a greater risk of food poisoning.

Avoid ice cream and buffet food.

Eat well-prepared and well-cooked fish or meat.

Bear in mind that fish is more sensitive to the growth of bacteria than meat is.

]]>https://blog.klm.com/how-to-avoid-food-poisoning/feed/11Why we have jet lags and how to cope with themhttps://blog.klm.com/why-do-we-get-jet-lags/
https://blog.klm.com/why-do-we-get-jet-lags/#commentsWed, 18 Feb 2015 08:00:20 +0000https://blog.klm.com/?p=12524Dealing with jet lag is one of the ultimate challenges for frequent flyers. Even if you’re only away for a few days – whether it be for business or pleasure – jet lag can keep you up at night and feeling drowsy during the day. But what exactly happens to your body when you experience […]

]]>Dealing with jet lag is one of the ultimate challenges for frequent flyers. Even if you’re only away for a few days – whether it be for business or pleasure – jet lag can keep you up at night and feeling drowsy during the day. But what exactly happens to your body when you experience jet lag? And what can you do about it?

Which is worse: traveling east or west?

Jet lag hits me really hard when I’m travelling eastbound, cutting my days short. You go to bed not feeling tired at all, and you want to fall asleep during those important meetings in the afternoon!

Traveling westbound, days become longer and most people find it easier to adjust. It’s like having a late night out and sleeping in during daytime. Which means evening meetings can be a problem.

Sleeping patterns

So why do we experience jet lag? Our sleep patterns have a circadian rhythm. Every night, we go through five cycles that each last 90-120 minutes, depending on your body’s needs. This also explains why some people need more sleep than others, because the length of each cycle varies from person to person. All cycles have the same structure. To get good quality sleep, you have to go through at least the first three cycles.

Each cycle is divided into different phases. The first two are light sleep phases. These are followed by the third phase, the so-called deep sleep phase. During the final phase, characterised by Rapid Eye Movement (REM), we dream.

Different sleep cycles

The deep sleep phases and dream phase of the first three cycles are the most important, contributing to both physical and mental health. Jet lag is a temporary disorder of the circadian rhythm, in which the sleeping pattern needs to be synchronised to the new time zone. The effects vary depending on the number of time zones you cross. You will experience hardly any symptoms if you cross one or two time zones. However, if you fly eastbound and cross six time zones, you will need at least six days to adjust to the new time zone. Flying westbound, you will need at least three days to adjust.

People tend to be either morning or evening people, while others are somewhere in the middle and can deal with both. In general, evening people find it easier to adjust to westbound travel, while morning people find it easier traveling eastbound.

Sleeping aids

Most sleeping tablets shorten the deep sleep phase and prolong the light phase. This is one reason why you should try to avoid taking this type of medication.

Melatonin is widely used as a remedy for jet lag. In some countries, you can buy it over the counter. When using melatonin, it is important that you should know a little more about your own circadian rhythm. Because if you don’t administer it according to your own sleeping pattern, it may not only be ineffective, but may even result in contrary effects.

Jet lag basically upsets your biorhythm by mixing up your circadian sleep pattern. Knowing more about your own sleeping pattern can help you prevent most symptoms of jet lag. Keeping a log book and recording your sleeping behaviour can be helpful. When do you usually go to sleep? How many hours do you sleep? What time do you wake up? Do you have a lie-in? All these questions will help you find out more about your own sleep pattern. Check this site for more information.

How to cope with jet lag

Travel safe, relaxed and calm. Stress will make you agitated and will intensify jet lag symptoms such as sleepiness during daytime, hunger at night, loss of memory and problems falling asleep.

When I’m aboard the plane, ready for take-off, I immediately set my watch to the local time at my destination. I eat during normal mealtimes at the local destination, even if I’m not hungry. Always avoid heavy meals.

Stay in shape and exercise! You don’t have to go for a full workout, just move. Go out for a walk when you arrive. And if you’re feeling really optimistic and you have the time, head to the local gym or take a yoga class.

Daylight influences melatonin levels and delays sleepiness, which can be helpful. Never go straight to bed on arrival in the morning (especially when travelling eastbound), but try to adjust to the local time zone.

For frequent travellers, it might be well worth it to check the natural process of melatonin production in your saliva. By determining tthis, you can adjust the timing your own melatonin intake to optimize the effects long term (if you decide take any medicine). Discuss with your doctor on what posbilities you have.